66 years ago: first-ever nuclear test 'Trinity' in New Mexico, United States

66 years ago: first-ever nuclear test 'Trinity' in New Mexico, United States

66 years ago: ‘Trinity’ ushers in the Atomic Age

On 16 July 1945, the ‘Trinity’ nuclear test plunged humanity into the Atomic Age. The 19-kiloton test was the first of over 2000 that contaminated the planet and led to the proliferation of ever more destructive nuclear weapons.

New on-site inspection video

"On-site inspection is deterrence" - new video on the recent on-site inspection training exercise in Austria and Hungary from 20 June to 8 July. Also, catch a glimpse of CTBTO’s brand new Equipment Storage and Maintenance Facility.

The CTBTO at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

CTBTO Executive Secretary Tibor Tóth attended the 38th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 28 to 30 June 2011. He met with several heads of state and foreign ministers.

First P5 follow-up meeting to the NPT Review Conference (MFA of France)

At their recent Paris meeting, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council "recalled their commitment to promote and ensure the swift entry into force of the CTBT and its universalization" and "called upon all States to uphold the moratorium on nuclear weapons-test explosions or any other nuclear explosion."

Global Security Newswire article series on the CTBT

In-depth analysis and quotes from key players on U.S. discussions regarding CTBT ratification, including the viability of the U.S. nuclear arsenal without conducting nuclear explosions, the test ban’s verifiability, and the impact of U.S. ratification on the CTBT’s entry into force.

Time for a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty (Augusta Free Press)

U.S. peace activist Kathy Crandall Robinson is committed to banning nuclear testing: "It’s past time to reassert leadership for America’s security. And it’s past time to complete unfinished business. The Senate should consider the new evidence for this essential treaty and ratify the CTBT."

Starting with the test 'Able' on 1 July 1946 and ending in 1958, the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests at the Bikini and Enewetak atolls. The long-term radiation effects, initially neglected by the U.S. government, caused increased cancer rates and prevented the resettlement of Bikini to this day.

Britain urged to settle nuclear payout for veterans (The Australian)

UK nuclear testing veterans continue to press legal claims for compensation. The UK Ministry of Defense has spent around £6.5 million [US$10.4 million] to fend off these claims. Other nuclear weapon possessor States have set up funds to award their atomic veterans, according to the article.

The Day the Sun Rose in the West

The Asia-Pacific Journal features a review and excerpts of the book by Ōishi Matashichi, a surviving fisherman of the 'Lucky Dragon #5'. The ship was exposed to the fallout from the 15-megaton Castle Bravo explosion in 1954, the largest U.S. nuclear test ever.

Greetings from the brink of nuclear annihilation

The book Atomic Postcards presents a unique collection of postcards used in different countries during the Cold War to generate support for atomic energy and nuclear weapons, often trivializing the associated risks.